Posts Tagged ‘deep tissue’
Mother’s Day is only a month away! This year, give a mother in your life the gift of massage. We have so much gratitude for all the hard work, love and time that mothers everywhere give.
Mayo Clinic discusses the most popular types of massage and the benefits associated with Massage Therapy.
The first official weekend of spring is upon us. While massage can be beneficial for our bodies at any time of the year, a spring massage just seems like the perfect time to shake off the cobwebs of winter. Renew, rejuvenate, and refresh with a relaxing and invigorating massage this spring. Let your body and mind enter the season anew and awakened!
Peruse our array of Massage Services. Our certified and experienced therapists are here to deliver exceptional and professional service.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is becoming more and more prevalent as a diagnosis in today’s youth. The most common treatment is typically medication. While beneficial, medication comes with side effects and can be more extreme depending on the child’s age.
Recent studies have shown that massage actually increases attentiveness (Touch Research Institute of Miami). While the exact causes of ADHD are not know, children with this disorder experience larger amounts of energy with know stimulus or outlet. Research has shown that the brains of ADHD children handle neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline) differently from their peers.(Medline Plus, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). According to Jay Gordon, M.D., a “deficiency in central nervous system dopamine probably causes many, if not most, of the problems associated with ADHD.”
Massage can encourage calm and reduce a child’s need to fidget or be nervous. Massage and touch in itself can increase production and reception of seratonin which may help the imbalance that ADHD children experience. Overall, massage has been shown to have a positive impact on the wellness of mind and body of both children and adults.
Schedule a massage with a certified and experienced therapist at Massage Denver today.
Eating disorders are extremely prevalent in the United States. In fact, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, ”in the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder.”
There are several treatment options, from cognitive therapy to medication. Research has even recently shown that massage has actually been proven to increase chances of recovery in individuals suffering from an eating disorder. In addition to other treatment, massage can be the needed factor to secure recovery.
Massage relaxes and releases stress in individuals that suffer from an eating disorder. The act of massage increases dopamine (a feel good neurotransmitter) and reduces cortisol (related to stress) according to studies by the Touch Research Institute. As a result, patients experience more satisfaction, less depression, and a greater body awareness.
If you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder, NEDA is a wonderful tool for treatment and help.
Achieving happiness and healthiness can often feel like a daunting feat or yet another task on the to-do list. Ironically, this perspective is what limits us from actually achieving happiness or healthiness. We intimidate ourselves and can easily convince ourselves to give up before we even try.
The truth is that happiness and healthiness are readily available all the time and any time. In fact, simple, little things can optimize wellness and boost your mood. In this video, Jessica Cassity, author of Better Each Day, shares simple tips to be happy and be healthy. Sound to good to be true? Studies show that even wearing a little red can boost your mood and make you more desirable to the opposite sex.
Massage is definitely relaxing, but its benefits are numerous. The American Massage Therapy Association has actually found that many consumers are beginning to integrate massage therapy into their health maintenance routines. Massage therapy can increase overall wellness in a variety of forms. In fact, even conditions that are typically prescribed pills and medications, can actually be tackled with the healing therapy of touch.
Some examples of these conditions are blood pressure, migraine headaches, insomnia and stress. Massage has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce migraine headaches, promote healthy sleep and release stress. It is incredible that massage is a proven (natural) treatment of these conditions.
In addition to the above, massage also enhances immunity, reduces back pain and has even been proved to reduce the symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome. Even more miraculous, massage actually encourages the growth and development of premature babies.
Indulging in delicious foods has become a part of the Holiday season. Unfortunately, over indulgence is too easy and can result in lower energy levels and a larger waist line before the new year is even upon us. From holiday parties to treats at the office to family dinner on the holiday itself, tempting eats are everywhere.
Luckily, Heather Christo, Chef & Entertaining expert shares her favorite healthy (and delicious!) holiday recipes with ABC News on Healthy Living. This year, whether you are the host or simply a guest, one of these delightful recipes can be a saving grace and pass to wellness in this season of over-indulgence.
Massage can be beneficial to relax the body, mind, and soul. It can ease tension in your muscles and provide rejuvenation in your day. In turn, massage is increasing the levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers) as well as the values of seratonin (a neurotransmitter popularly thought to contribute to feelings of well being and happiness).
Amazingly, this has been proven in two studies of extreme situations. In one study, conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, 34 women with Stage 1/2 breast cancer were divided into two groups. One group received 30 minutes of massage, three times a week an a control group that received no massage. In the long term, the massage group showed increased urinary dopamine levels, seratonin values, Natural Killer cells, and lymphocytes. All of the above which help to increase immunity and wellness, an amazing and incredible factor in the body of someone attempting to battle off breast cancer. See the full research here.
In another amazing study, by the same institute, 24 HIV-positive adolescents were randomly divided into two groups. One group received massage and other progressive muscle relaxation two times a week for 3 month, the others did not. The results illustrated an increase in Natural Killer cells and improved HIV disease progression markers. In essence, massage therapy and muscle relaxation increased the immunity in an immune disease patient, even to the point of slowing the progression of their disease, an incredible discovery. Read the full research here.
Healthy or ill, a massage can help boost your immunity and overall wellness. Schedule a massage for your health today.
Chronic neck and back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States.
It accounts for a large percentage of health care dollars: In 2005, we spent close to $90 billion on medical procedures, imaging studies and medications for neck and back pain. That’s up from $52 billion in 1997.
Still, the percentage of people with neck and back pain continues to escalate, and so does the cost. So, it behooves us to keep looking for other ways to treat and manage chronic pain:
Massage therapy holds promise as an alternative treatment for low back pain. In fact, a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003 suggested that massage therapy was superior to both chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture in relieving pain for people with persistent nonspecific back pain (back pain that was not due to a disc rupture, spinal stenosis or similar cause).
Massage therapy also was felt to reduce the overall cost of care. However, there are many forms of massage treatment, and it has not been clear which type is most beneficial for people with low back pain.
A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine sheds some light on this.
Relaxation massage, a standard technique, helps relax the tense muscles that contribute to pain. Structural massage uses a more specific approach to release tension, requires more training and might be more expensive.
The researchers speculated that the patients receiving the structural massage would have greater pain relief than those getting the simpler massage.
Each of the massage groups received a weekly one-hour massage for 10 weeks; the placebo group received usual care for people with back pain – including pain medications, muscle relaxers and physical therapy.
After 10 weeks, both massage groups noted a significant reduction in pain, as well as an improvement in their daily functioning; there was no significant difference between the two types of massage therapy. The improvement in function seemed to last at least six months, but benefits after one year were questionable.
The authors concluded that both relaxation and structural massage were beneficial treatments for people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.
The bottom line is that it might simply come down to which type of massage therapy you prefer, and that is something each of us needs to determine for ourselves. Other factors: Obesity, lack of exercise and depression are all on the rise and contribute to pain.
So if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain: Work on getting your weight into a normal range, exercise daily and get help if you suffer from depression. If this doesn’t do the trick, consider gifting yourself with a massage periodically. It might be one of the best investments you make in your health and well-being.
Every year 38 million Americans try alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. How helpful are those and other alternative treatments?
Consumer Reports’ survey of its readers found that hands-on treatments such as chiropractic and deep-tissue massage helped relieve back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. And in the case of back pain, chiropractic care outperformed prescription medicine.
Sixty-five percent of those surveyed using chiropractic treatments for back pain said they helped a lot. Only 53 percent using prescription medications found them as helpful.
Half of those who used deep-tissue massage or yoga found they helped a lot for osteoarthritis. The survey results indicated that both were almost on par with prescription medication.
But in the Consumer Reports National Research Center survey, alternative treatments were not found to be as helpful with many other medical conditions.
Take depression. Yoga or meditation helped about 35 percent. By contrast, 70 percent of those using prescription medication found it to be very helpful.
As for colds, flu, and allergies? Prescription medications were deemed much more helpful than nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C.
Every year 38 million Americans try alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic treatments. How helpful are those and other alternative treatments?
Consumer Reports’ survey of its readers found that hands-on treatments such as chiropractic and deep-tissue massage helped relieve back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. And in the case of back pain, chiropractic care outperformed prescription medicine.
Sixty-five percent of those surveyed using chiropractic treatments for back pain said they helped a lot. Only 53 percent using prescription medications found them as helpful.
Half of those who used deep-tissue massage or yoga found they helped a lot for osteoarthritis. The survey results indicated that both were almost on par with prescription medication.
But in the Consumer Reports National Research Center survey, alternative treatments were not found to be as helpful with many other medical conditions.
Take depression. Yoga or meditation helped about 35 percent. By contrast, 70 percent of those using prescription medication found it to be very helpful.
As for colds, flu, and allergies? Prescription medications were deemed much more helpful than nutritional supplements such as Vitamin C.
So alternative treatment in some cases may help, but Consumer Reports advises checking with your doctor first.
Consumer Reports says don’t forget to check your insurance. Certain types of alternative treatments might be covered. Consumer Reports can help you find alternative medicine practitioners.
Stiff shoulders? Aching back? In a time of high gas prices, a shaky economy, and political rancor, it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling a bit stressed lately. Add the usual aches and pains that come along with age, arthritis, sports injuries and the strain of hunching over a computer all day, and the result is a body crying out for a therapeutic massage.
A therapeutic massage is a great way to pamper your body and spirit and you don’t even have to spend a days paycheck at your local spa to get one. Moyer Total Wellness provides therapeutic massages by licensed massage therapists at an affordable rate. Only $49.99 for new clients and $40 for members. (Reg price of a one hour massage is $59)
Massage feels good, of course, but it also does a body good. According to research studies posted on the website of the National Institute of Health’s Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, massages can improve the immune system, reduce blood pressure and ease neck pain.
“It enhances the immune system by stimulating blood flow and moving lymphocytes,” said Tony Chilelli, a licensed massage therapist who has been practicing in Denver for over 20 years.
“It is relaxing to those who are stressed and some people report they are able to sleep better,” said Sabra, a licensed massage therapist in Denver who has been practicing for nine years. Among its many benefits, she said, “It improves the pliability of fascia, increases circulation, clears the system of toxins and increases endorphins.”
There are several types of massages, among them Swedish, deep tissues, myofascial and hot stone. In a Swedish massages, the most common type, the therapist applies a series of kneading, circular and sweeping strokes. In a deep tissue massage, the therapist applies a firmer pressure to treat stubborn muscle tension. In a myofascial massage, the therapist concentrates on massaging connective ligaments. In a hot stone massage, the therapist places heated stones on the client’s body to warm and soothe the muscles.
Although hot stone massages are a bit more expensive than standard massages, clients love them. ($15 more)
“It will warm you for about three days,” said Sabra. “My clients have told me ‘my legs feel like rubber.’”
People get massages for various reasons, noted Sabra. They may have arthritis or sports injuries or tension from sitting at a desk for hours a day. However, a therapeutic massage can benefit everyone, not just those with specific aches and pains, the therapists stressed.
“It’s an investment in your health,” said Sack.
A monthly massage is optimal for keeping muscles and connective tissue supple, said Shaw, although persons may need one more often.
Although most insurers do not cover massages, clients can use money in pre-tax health spending accounts to pay for therapeutic massages. In addition, an insurer may cover massage therapy for a person who gets a prescription for therapeutic massage from his or her physician.
It’s important to find a licensed massage therapist. Although anyone can give massages, only someone who has completed a massage therapy course and passed a licensing examination can call himself or herself a massage therapist. A licensed massage therapist will have the initials “LMT” or “CMT” or a license number on his or her business card and advertisements. It’s also helpful to ask the therapist if he or she is experienced in doing the type of massage requested, such as deep tissue, myofascial or pre-natal.
For some, the notion of a massage conjures up images of spas smelling of lavender, or a special treat the rich get to enjoy to enhance a nap. Though these images are representative of the experience of some, there are massage techniques that can do a world of therapeutic good: ranging from medical diagnosis to relief of debilitating and chronic pain.
With this article I hope to empower you, the reader, to find a massage therapist that will best suit your needs.
In China, hospitals employ massage therapists as part of their intake staff. With the powers of palpitation (feeling), a properly trained massage therapist can detect organ issues, or other problems that help direct the physicians in treatment. Also, by understanding the circulatory flows of the body, a massage therapist can direct the body to send healing elements to the ailing area.
But this is not our typical of massage in the U.S. This is because massage schools in the U.S. churn out “Swedish Massage” therapists. Swedish Massage is your basic rest and relaxation massage technique, and though it is the foundation for American licensure, it is the most elementary form of massage. In addition to relaxation, it increases circulation, can decrease blood pressure, and provide some pain relief–though the relief, if achieved, is usually short lived.
It can be good in conjunction with a chiropractic appointment–if you have a muscle which has become so stressed and tight that it pulls certain vertebrae or your knee out of joint, then before a chiropractor makes an adjustment, massaging that muscle group can make the adjustment more effective and long lasting–but it is my opinion that Swedish massage is so elementary that it is a waste for anything other than indulgence.
Similarly, when a practitioner says that they also can do, “Deep Tissue Massage” it is really nothing more than Swedish. It may be slightly deeper, but it’s still just Swedish. Someone looking for serious therapeutic massage will most likely be frustrated if the therapist only uses those two terms when explaining the techniques that they perform.
That said, there are some locally available massage techniques that, unlike Swedish, have significant therapeutic benefits. Here are a few.
Neuromuscular Technique (NMT)
This method was developed in the 1930s-40s by three osteopathic doctors. In layman’s terms, the therapist finds muscular trigger points and applies a steady pressure which triggers a brain response to relax the muscle. NMT is especially beneficial for people with longstanding pain issues of many kinds. Since muscle attaches (via ligaments and tendons) to bones and joints, a stressed out muscle can be the cause of intense joint, back, knee, or neck pain, as well as pain directly in a muscle. People who have experienced car accidents, sports injuries, or other physical trauma often find great benefit from NMT. The closest NMT Therapist is just over the bridge in Bala Cynwyd. They are few and far between, so it’s great to have one right around the corner!
Cranial Sacral Technique
The Cranial Sacral Technique (CST) was also developed by an osteopathic doctor in the 1890s. In CST, the practitioner takes hold of the base of the patient’s skull and base of the spine at the same time. With careful attention, the practitioner can begin to feel a “rhythm” as bodily fluids pass through the core of the body and creates an energy flow. This rhythm is often faint and varying, but as the practitioner holds the client in this special way, the rhythm strengthens and becomes synchronized.
A practitioner who knows CST may implement it for a few minutes within a therapeutic session, or devote an entire hour to executing the full technique. Either way, what is happening is similar to a chiropractic adjustment, but instead of manipulating the bones by forcing them back into alignment, CST stimulates the bodily fluids and body energy to do the work from the inside out.
The technique also stimulates production of endorphins. This may produce a peaceful or even euphoric state for the client, and in some cases, can be used in conjunction with psychological therapies for enhancing mental clarity and insight.
With Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in our back yard, you can call them to find an osteopath in the area who practices this technique, or call the Roxborough Health Center which is associated with PCOM.
Myofascial Release
This focuses not on the muscle tissue, but a webbing that exists in between the muscle fibers. Have you ever prepared a chicken breast or thigh for dinner? If so, you may have noticed that the meat has a thin, white, spider web-like substance layered in with the muscle. This is fascia.
The basic theory behind Myofascial Release is that the fascia within the muscle should be lubricated, but is often extremely dried out. This fascia can be effected just as readily (or more-so) than the muscle itself. The practitioner holds an area in such a way that healing fluids and energy come in and lubricate the fascia.
Think of a patch of dried out dirt. When the water is added, what was cracked and cakey becomes life-giving and rich. ”Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests,” says a leading myofascial expert. In other words, stressed out fascia exerts extreme pressure on muscle–which causes pain, or causes the muscle to cramp up and pull on bones, joints, and even organs. Dealing with the fascia deals with a core issue, which produces a positive domino effect.
The technique is extremely gentle so it can be used on even the most touch sensitive patients, but it is extremely effective. I used to use this technique on all my clients–from professional athletes to a 55 year old woman who had a heart and lung transplant, and it was just as effective as an intense sports massage.
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